PROFESSIONAL MLD THERAPY

Kinesio Tape

Kinesio Tape and Kinesio Taping methods were developed by a chiropractor from Japan named Dr Kenso Kase. Dr Kase was looking for ways of the body to heal traumatised soft tissue. Athletic tape provided support but did not provide the input to the body he was looking for. He began exploring materials that were elastic like skin and muscle. In 1973 Dr Kase developed the concept of Kinesio Taping and since then its use have been perfected to what it is today.

Fundamental Concepts

The Kinesio Taping Method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting.
Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, Kinesio Tape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions.
By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, Kinesio Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas.

Evaluation and assessment are key in the treatment of any clinical condition. In order to get the desired results from a Kinesio Tape application as well as any other treatment, a full assessment of your is necessary.
In some cases, the treatment of a condition may require treatment of other underlying conditions as well.
This assessment should include manual muscle testing, range of motion testing, gait assessment, and any other orthopedic special tests deemed necessary. The information gained from these assessments will allow for the proper treatment protocol to be laid out.
Kinesio Tape can be a valuable addition to this protocol. It has been proven to have positive physiological effects on the skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It can be used in conjunction with a multitude of other treatments and modalities and is effective during the rehabilitative and chronic phases on an injury as well as being used for preventative measures.

Dr. Kenzo Kase did not just come up with an idea for tape and then sit back to see what others could do with it. His priority has always been making his patients feel better.
In addition to the input of thousands of trained practitioners and instructors worldwide, he continues to be active in the development of applications, products and adaptations – all designed with the goal of better patient care.
The Classic and “FP” Kinesio Tapes have a great deal in common. From the beginning, Dr. Kase believed his tape needed to mimic the qualities of the superficial layers of the skin: the epidermis. The thickness of the Kinesio Tape is approximately the same as the epidermis. This design element was intended to decrease the distraction of tape on the skin when properly applied.
After approximately 10 minutes, the conscious recognition of the tape decreases however the proprioceptive input to the body and brain continues.
KInesio Tape fibers are designed to stretch longitudinally up to 40 to 60% of it resting length. (A 10 inch strip of Kinesio Tape will stretch to 14 to 16 inches in total length). This is approximately the stretch capability of normal skin in areas such as the knee, low back and cervical region.
The heat activated acrylic adhesive is bonded to the fabric in a wave pattern similar to fingerprints. This assists the lifting of the skin, often seen as convolutions. The breathability and gentle adhesive allow for repeated applications without skin irritation. Like the skin, Kinesio Tape is porous. The combination of the cotton latex free fabric and the wave pattern adhesive improves patient comfort by allowing the skin to breathe.
The water resistant protectorate applied to the cotton fibers resists moisture penetration and allows for “quick drying”. This assures that the patient may shower and the tape will remain effective and in good position for three to five days.

Kinesio Taping concepts include
  • Sensory Functions

  • Sensory stimuli to mechanical receptors

  • Deceases inflammation, decreases pressure in chemical receptors

  • Possibly activates spinal inhibitory system- through stimulation of the touch receptors

Muscle Function
  • Improves contraction of a weakened muscle

  • Reduces muscle fatigue

  • Reduces over extension and over contraction

  • Reduces cramping and possible injuries

  • Proprioceptive re-education

Lymphatic Function
  • Improves blood and lymphatic circulation

  • Opens lymphatic drainage directly under skin

  • Reduces heat and chemical substances in tissue

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Reduces abnormal feeling and pain in skin, muscle and joints

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